UWF team wins first place at 2025 Southeastern Psychological Association quiz bowl

A University of West Florida undergraduate team won the second annual quiz bowl challenge at the 2025 Southeastern Psychological Association Annual Meeting, held on April 11 in Atlanta. This is the second consecutive year that a UWF student team has won the competition. UWF psychology majors Katie Blake, Landon Nelson, Lamb Ngafeeson, Elizabeth Black and Clark Tipton competed against teams from colleges and universities throughout the Southeast.

“I felt there was a lot more excitement about going for a repeat win this year, and that really motivated our students,” said Dr. Lisa Blalock, professor in the Department of Psychology. “UWF students are not just studying for a grade — they’re driven by curiosity, community and a deep desire to grow as future professionals. This repeat win reflects that passion and commitment.”

The students answered correctly 27 out of 30 psychology knowledge questions. The second place team got 20 answers right. The team was guided by Blalock and fellow psychology professor Dr. Jane Halonen.

“This year I thought some of the questions were impressively difficult, making the victory that much sweeter,” Halonen said.

Ngafeeson said last year he watched and was inspired by teammates Nelson, Black and Martin, who competed in 2024 as well and won the competition.

“I’m a naturally competitive person and a former student athlete, so it was nice to have the rare opportunity to utilize that in an academic setting,” Ngafeeson said. “A winning team takes dedicated students who love the field of psychology and have a bent for winning and University pride.”

For more information about UWF’s Department of Psychology, visit uwf.edu/psychology.